Answers Quote by Gordon Allport
“The scientist, by the very nature of his commitment, creates more and more questions, never fewer. Indeed the measure of our intellectual maturity, one philosopher suggests, is our capacity to feel less and less satisfied with our answers to better problems.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Personality Theory, 1937
Science constantly generates new questions, showing intellectual growth is measured by increasing dissatisfaction with simple answers.
In simple terms: Science creates more questions, showing growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity over certainty.
Themes
intellectual growth
questioning
science philosophy
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- technological development
- education curricula
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemic humility
research motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you welcome uncertainty?
- How can we balance curiosity with practical needs?
A Different Perspective
Some questions may become unanswerable, leading to frustration.
![“Since we think about ourselves so much of the time, it is comforting to assume ... that we really know the score… [But] this is not an easy assignment. [As] Santayana wrote, 'Nothing requires a rarer intellectual heroism than willingness to see one's equation written out.'” quote by Gordon Allport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f3b/gordon-allport-29384_assignments_since-we-think-about-ourselves-so-much-o_1110919.jpg)
![“The dog [in Pavlov's experiments] does not continue to salivate whenever it hears a bell unless sometimes at least an edible offering accompanies the bell. But there are innumerable instances in human life where a single association, never reinforced, results in the establishment of a life-long…” quote by Gordon Allport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/488/gordon-allport-29384_accidents_the-dog-in-pavlov-s-experiments-does-not_1383042.jpg)
